Virtual
War Memorial
Australia

Cecile William BROWN adopted the name William Cecil Brown, and was known as Bill. He enlisted 1941 at Rockhampton and served at Port Morsby, Bribie Island and Lytton, leaving his wife Olive with their children, until he was medically discharged in January 1943.

Shortly after he and Olive separated, leaving their children in various care facilities. Bill worked in various administrator roles in Brisbane.

He later married Gwendoline and they retired to live at Bribie Island.

A testimony from Bribie Island RSL, around 1975 - 

"Bill Brown, one of the old stalwarts and silent worker/members of our RSL and Service Club. Never known to be cross with anyone yet. Bill has always been ready to help the Club when required.

He was born in Bundaberg and went to south Bundaberg State School. In 1921 the family shifted to Cordalba and finished his brilliant schooling there. His parents had a farm at Yowbi and the depression came, when things were very bad. He left home to ease the burden of hardship. Bill was 18 years old when he went to Cracow gold fields and he stayed there for 12 months. He then went on to Rockhampton where he settled in for quite a number of years, marrying his first wife, Olive. Following her death he later married Gwen.

Bill joined the Army in 1941 - discharged 1943 medically unfit. He served in New Guines on Page Battery for 10 months before being trabsferred to artillery Battery on Northern Bribie Island as Bomadier, Instructor on plotting room, guns and range finders. Between 1953 and 1973 he was Secretary/Orangizer for the welfare of the Blind and was the instigator for building the Hall for the Blind at Woolloongabba. He was also a Cost Clerk for Mains Roads Dept. He then moved to Accounts Department at Repatriation. He was the first person in Queensland to introduce the duplicate receipt book.

Bill was the Foundation President of Legion of Ex-Servicemen and after two years became full-time State Organiser and founder of 25 branches. Bill was a member of the Norman Park RSL before joining Bribie Island RSL. He was Treasurer of the Services Club until after it was opened. He was Debenture Registrar, which he introduced himself, and was Junior Vice-President for two years.

In his early days Bill was interested in all sports and at present bowling is his main sport. He is a member of the  Bribie Island Bowls Club, a member of the Committee and Treasurer of the Social Committee.

As you read this, Bill is preparing to enter hospital for a major heart operation. All our best wishes for a speed recovery, God bless you, Bill "

family note - Bill had a triple bypass with pigs valve and recuperated at Greenslopes Repatriation Hospital. He went on to enjoy life for many years after.